GREETINGS from a Newbie!

J.R. Tamayo - Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 5:56pm

I am not only new to the site, but I am also new to metal art. My first, recently completed piece, is a fish measuring 22" wide, which I am posting herein. I hope it does not look too amateurish, but that's what I am (you gotta start somewhere, right?). And although it has been stated, that the dragon is one of the most overdone motifs in iron work, I am currently working on a dragon measuring 25" long by 27" high. I will be posting pix of the work in progress, in the hopes that I may receive constructive feedback. I really enjoy this site, including the metal art displayed, but mostly, the participation of the wonderful members.

Best regards, J.R.

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JR's fish

City - Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 7:10pm

JR,
Hey man. Nice fish.
Impressive first effort. Seems too good to really be a first effort. Have you done some other drawing or painting? What did you use for the patina?
Don't get me wrong about the dragons. I mean vine work is kind of the same way. There are just certain things that seem to be popular imagery. Things that are particularly conducive to be represented in metal that can seem cliche' because they are so prevelant. I hope that explains what I meant. I didn't intend to come off as condescending.
I saw a dragon at the Abana conference in Ashville a few years back done by some guy in Texas. If I can find the photo I'll post it because it was amazing.

City

"Who are you going to believe, me or your eyes?"
Groucho Marx

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nice fish!

simmsie - Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 10:05pm

That is one nice fish!!

web site: www.johnesimms.com

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City and Simmsie, Thank you

J.R. Tamayo - Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 11:08pm

City and Simmsie,

Thank you for your comments. I visited both of your websites, and I was blown away. It made me feel truly honored to have received your responses.

City,

You are right. It is too good for a first "solo" effort. In all candor, I must admit that I made the fish in an introductory metal art class hosted by John Barber from the Houston Center for Contemporary Arts. I don't remember the brand, but the patina finish was a copper infused paint which we glopped on, then lightly sprayed with water... and just watched the copper turn verde. I'll call John and get the brand. I didn't take your "dragon" comment as condescending, just ironic. It's just that I racked my brain trying to decide on what to make for my first solo piece. I was just so amazed with the mythological imagery of a dragon, and the fact that no one could end up telling me that the torso was wrong, or a wing was wrong, after all, nobody's actually seen a damn dragon (LOL). I felt it would give me more poetic, or creative license. Please do try to find the photo of the dragon you mentioned.

Thank you for your most gracious reply,

J.R.

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